RANDINT(n, a, b) generates a list of n integers between a and b. You can leave n out if you desire a single random integer. Picks may be repeated.

The HP Prime's default list variables are designated L0 through L9.

Here is a sample output for COMLOCK:

IF-THEN-ELSE

IF-THEN-ELSE: Program structure:IF condition THENdo if the condition is true;ELSEdo if the condition is false;END;

Access: Tmplt, 2. Branch, 2. IF THEN ELSE Tip: You can leave out the ELSE part if you only want to test to see if a condition is true. Access the simple IF-THEN structure by pressing Tmplt, 2. Branch, 1. IF THEN.

PRINT: The PRINT command prints a sting, result, or a combination of both onto the Prime's Terminal screen. If PRINT is used, the program will end on the terminal (text output) screen. Press a button to exit.

You can access the terminal screen at any time by pressing the ON button, holding it, and then pressing the Divide ( ÷ ) button.

Access: Cmds, 6. I/O, 9. PRINT
Tip: To clear the terminal screen, type PRINT(). This is a good way to clear the terminal screen and I usually use this at the beginning of any program if PRINT is going to be used later on.

The program QROOTS (yet one more quadratic solver, sorry for not being original guys and gals), demonstrates the use of IF-THEN-ELSE and PRINT.

Here I set the setting variable HComplex to 1, which allows for complex number results.

Prime vs. 50g, they both have pro and cons, I like the fact that the 50g uses disposable batteries, so I'm never dry. Color? Well, I can live without. Zeta function, hah, if you knew how many times I've used it in my entire life...

It's good to see that HP is building advanced calculators again, I wasn't really sure the 50g wouldn't be the last one. As far as the prime, well, I've done all my studies with a 48gx and that was my generation's calculator. The Prime is probably targeted at people much younger than I.

I use the 50g almost on a daily basis, and when I need to do some heavy lifting, I still rely on Mathematica, I'm not sure the Prime could replace either one, at least for me. I've never used anything but reverse polish on a calculator, I'm not sure I have the time or devotion to learn a new language; but if my son gets one, I'm sure I'll pick up one as well and start investigating.

That being said, I'm going to follow your series on the Prime very closely, but I'll stick to my 50g for the time being. It works for me.

I like your tutorials very much. I tried some CAS commands in a program to do some calculus operations, i. e. diff() and zeros() on a given function F1. It works well in the CAS view, but it doesn't in a program, not even with qualified variables or commands. What's wrong?